Course List:

• AbilityOne Academy (Formerly Javits-Wagner-O’Day University)
• Determining Commensurate Wages for Employees Paid Piece Rates and Employees Paid Hourly
• Determining Commensurate Wages for Hourly Employees
• Federal Compliance Symposium 2008
• MODAPTS
• Piece Rate Time Studies for Products

AbilityOne Academy
(Formerly Javits-Wagner-O'Day University)

Learning Objectives:

• Gain a general overview of NISH and AbilityOne with emphasis on how the AbilityOne Program works
• Acquire essential knowledge about the JWOD Act and complying with Federal regulations
• Hear what the Federal Government customer wants and expects from successful contractors
• Learn basic contract management processes that govern performance and contract administration

Purpose:

This course provides an orientation for NPAs to the AbilityOne Program. Specifically, it is designed for NPAs new to the AbilityOne Program that are beginning their first Federal contracts. This entry-level course provides an overview of what is required for the successful execution of an AbilityOne contract. NPAs that are in the final development stages of their AbilityOne project and/or those just beginning their first contracts should plan to attend.

Audience:

The program is valuable for NPAs that are new to AbilityOne, those that are expanding their AbilityOne contracts, and those experiencing turnover of key personnel who have responsibility for AbilityOne contracts. NPAs should also consider sending teams consisting of staff within various positions responsible for any aspect of the AbilityOne contract.

Format:

This three-day course includes classroom instruction with specific time set aside to focus on both services and products (manufacturing). Participants are invited to bring their questions to the course, as time for questions and answers is built into every session.

Instructor:

The course is taught by multiple NISH staff members who are experts on the topics presented.

Determining Commensurate Wages for Employees Paid Piece Rates and Employees Paid Hourly

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the commensurate wage process from stopwatch to paycheck
• Develop job descriptions and task analysis for jobs
• Gain an understanding of commensurate wage systems, production standards, and Personal Fatigue and Delay allowances
• Learn how to set valid standards
• Learn how to accurately compute and pay commensurate wages to employees
• Identify the major purposes of paying commensurate wages and learn to maximize the benefits
• Understand the key sections of applicable regulatory acts and how to comply with them

Purpose:

Piece Rates: This portion of the course gives participants hands-on experience in performing accurate time studies and calculating the piece rate. Paying wages to workers with disabilities under a Special Certificate is based on setting an accurate standard, and participants gain knowledge and skills in using a stopwatch and calculating the proper rate. In addition, participants review and discuss the Fair Labor Standards Act and Department of Labor compliance issues and regulations.

Commensurate Wages for Hourly Employees:

This portion of the course prepares operations and rehabilitation staff to establish non-disabled production standards and accurately measure the productivity of employees with disabilities in order to pay commensurate wages on an hourly basis. It demonstrates ways to document this process in compliance with Department of Labor Regulations.

NOTE: This course gives equal time over two days to both Piece Rate and Hourly Employee wages. Anyone wanting a more in-depth training on either topic can attend either the two-day "Piece Rate Time Studies for Products" course or the two-day "Determining Commensurate Wages for Hourly Employees" course.

Format:

This two-day course combines classroom instruction and practical, hands-on applications for both piece rates and hourly employees.

Instructors:

Victor Dennis is the Assistant Vice President of the NISH Regulatory Assistance Department, which provides training in Federal regulations and technical assistance to NPAs. He worked with the Connecticut State Use Program and spent 15 years as the Production and Contracts Manager at CW Resources prior to joining NISH in 1993. Dennis is a member of the Institute of Industrial Engineers and Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA).

Tamara Balenger has been a member of the Regulatory Assistance Department in the NISH National Office since 2000 and currently is a Senior Regulatory Specialist. In addition to teaching this course, Balenger is also a trainer for the NISH/NIB/Department of Labor collaborative trainings on Federal compliance. Her working relationship with key Department of Labor staff members who are responsible for oversight and enforcement of the regulations governing employment of people with disabilities is invaluable.

Schedule:

Determining Commensurate Wages for Hourly Employees

Learning Objectives:

• Define and write job descriptions
• Perform task analysis
• Identify what parts of a job must be time-studied
• Prepare a time study form with complete information for documentation purposes
• Identify the three major purposes of a time study and learn to maximize the benefits
• Apply basic time study measurement concepts in preparation for handling and answering most time study questions
• Define and document compliance with Federal Government regulations concerning time studies, productivity, and
  commensurate wage systems
• Understand why “disabled for work” is critical in this process

Purpose:

This course prepares operations and rehabilitation staff to conduct time studies for establishing the nondisabled production standard and to accurately measure the productivity of employees with disabilities with these standards. It also demonstrates various ways to document this process in accordance with Department of Labor requirements.

NOTE: This program concentrates on time studies in the services arena only (e.g., custodial). It does not apply to production and assembly lines or manufacturing operations. Manufacturing time studies are addressed in a separate course, "Piece Rates Time Studies for Products".

Audience:

This course is valuable for NPA staff responsible for performing time studies, developing production standards, evaluating employee productivity, and documenting related rehabilitation issues.

Format:

This two-day course includes presentations, group interaction, class exercises, and a chance for participants to practice and perform a time study. Participants should bring stopwatches and calculators and are encouraged to bring examples of their current standards.

Instructor:

Tamara Balenger has been a member of the Regulatory Assistance Department in the NISH National Office since 2000 and currently is a Senior Regulatory Specialist. In addition to teaching this course, Balenger is also a trainer for the NISH/NIB/Department of Labor collaborative trainings on Federal compliance. Her working relationship with key Department of Labor staff members who are responsible for oversight and enforcement of the regulations governing employment of people with disabilities is invaluable.

Schedule:

Federal Compliance Symposium 2008

Federal Regulatory Compliance Assistance for Employers of Workers with Disabilities at Special Minimum Wages Co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, the National Industries for the Blind, and NISH

• Comprehend the regulatory requirements to obtain and maintain compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act
• Understand the components of the Section 14(c) Special Minimum Wage Certificate Program to administer a valid commensurate wage system
• Acquire knowledge to conduct accurate work measurements
• Develop a payroll system to ensure proper payment of wages and benefits for Federal contracts covered by the Service Contact Act
• Discover the numerous definitions of "employee" and understand the employee–employer relationship
• Classify employees as exempt or non-exempt; identify compensable time and compute overtime
• Realize employer responsibilities and employee entitlements under the Family Medical Leave Act
• Become aware of the requirements of the Occupational Safely and Health Act and the tools available to employers to assist in reducing injuries
• Resolve the dilemma of recruiting workers who are blind or have severe disabilities without running afoul of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Special Pre-Symposium Sessions:

Pre-Symposium sessions will be conducted on issues specific to the AbilityOne Program as they relate to NPAs affiliated with National Industries for the Blind or NISH. Comprehend the definition of "severely disabled" for purposes of the AbilityOne Program and how it differs from other regulatory definitions. Differentiate between direct and indirect labor and the impact on agency and AbilityOne ratios. Understand the recordkeeping requirements of the AbilityOne Program.

Purpose:

In today's regulatory environment, employers— especially those covered by a Special Minimum Wage Certificate—face a myriad of regulations administered by various Federal agencies. This symposium will provide current information and compliance tips from the agencies that administer the labor standards that affect NPAs and other certificate holders. The U. S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division will be the lead presenter. Representatives from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission may also make presentations. NISH sessions on work measurements—for both production and service employees—are especially informative.

Audience:

This symposium is open to all employers of people who are blind or have disabilities who are paid special minimum wages under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, regardless of National Industries for the Blind or NISH affiliation, and regardless of whether they perform on Federal contracts. This training is valuable for staff involved in policy, payroll, Federal contracting compliance standards, or case management of employees who are blind or have disabilities. Those who are charged with ensuring compliance with Federal standards are strongly encouraged to attend. This venue will provide an excellent opportunity to network with other employers of workers who are blind or have disabilities and to have questions answered by the experts.

Format:

This 2.5-day symposium will consist of general and concurrent sessions on specific topics. The morning of the first day pre-symposium sessions will be held related to the AbilityOne Program for NIB and NISH affiliates. The symposium will begin at 1:00 p.m. on the first day, run all-day the second day, and end at noon on the third day.

Instructors:

Subject matter experts from the U.S. Department of Labor, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and National Industries for the Blind and NISH will conduct sessions.

Schedule:

MODAPTS (Modular Adaptation of Predetermined Time
Standards)

Learning Objectives:

• Become fluent in the language and in the use of the MODAPTS predetermined work measurement system.
• Complete the process for certification as a MODAPTS practitioner by the International MODAPTS Association.
• Select alternative methods of setting standards that aid in developing computer-based standards, provide fast and accurate direct labor costs, assist with quality improvement and control, increase productivity, and save time and money.
• Use knowledge and skills to develop an action plan that facilitates the implementation of the use of MODAPTSbased work standards.

Purpose:

MODAPTS (Modular Adaptation of Predetermined Time Standards) is a U.S. Department of Labor approved method for establishing productivity standards. This training provides NPA staff the opportunity to become fluent in this predetermined work measurement system. MODAPTS eliminates the need for subjectivity in setting standards, allows users to assess worker capabilities and limitations (better matching ability and job), and is an effective Quality Improvement and Control tool. MODAPTS provides fast and accurate direct labor standards and data, improves work methods, work station designs and assists in the bidding process

Audience:

This course is valuable for managers and engineers directly involved in the production process. MODAPTS has primary application to NPAs producing products but also is applicable to service contracting.

NOTE: The effective implementation of MODAPTS increases when two or more individuals from a NPA attend. Additionally, since MODAPTS may require changes in the way a NPA sets standards, the management of the NPA should consider a pre-training commitment to use this method of standardization.

Format:

This three-day program is competency-based and interactive. Participants are asked to bring examples of their actual work, which can be in the form of a video or DVD (as many cycles as possible) and/or actual samples of the work. With the instructor, participants develop work standards for these products and workstations. Participants also develop action plans that serve as a post-training strategy for MODAPTS application and implementation. At the conclusion of training, participants may obtain certification required by DOL for NPA utilization of MODAPTS by taking the International MODAPTS Association Practitioner Certification Examination. These intensive exercises help ensure fluency in the MODAPTS language as well as assist in facilitating integration of MODAPTS into NPA production management, bidding, and costing systems. It is requested that participants bring a calculator.

Instructor:

Donald Barker is a consulting engineer and has been an active leader in the International MODAPTS Association, serving as a certified MODAPTS instructor.

Piece Rate Time Studies for Products

Learning Objectives:

• Learn to perform time studies
• Gain an understanding of commensurate wage systems, production standards, and Personal Fatigue and Delay allowances
• Practice how to measure employee productivity
• Learn to interpret Department of Labor (DOL) regulations and requirements

Purpose:

This course gives participants hands-on experience in performing accurate time studies. Participants also gain knowledge and skills in setting production standards and calculating piece rates. Establishing production standards and paying wages to workers with disabilities is based on individual productivity and requires accurate and measurable time studies. To that end, participants review and discuss the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Department of Labor (DOL) compliance issues and requirements. A stopwatch time study identifies and measures the elements of a work task. It is the most frequently used method for setting production standards and piece rates. Time studies are based on:

• Completing a task using a predetermined method and set of conditions
• Using a qualified, experienced worker to perform the task and operate at a competitive pace
• Using allowances to account for employee needs and events that occur during the entire workday

NOTE: This course focuses on time studies and piece rates for products only. It does not apply to the services arena, which is covered in a separate course, "Determining Commensurate Wages for Hourly Employees".

Audience:

This course is valuable for production staff, operation managers, supervisors, and any other persons responsible for setting production standards and evaluating employee productivity. It addresses the processes of manufacturing personnel.

Format:

This two-day course combines classroom instruction and a practical, hands-on application using simulated work tasks. Participants must bring a stopwatch and a calculator.

Instructor:

Victor Dennis is the Assistant Vice President of the NISH Regulatory Assistance Department, which provides training in Federal regulations and technical assistance to NPAs. He worked with the Connecticut State Use Program and spent 15 years as the Production and Contracts Manager at CW Resources prior to joining NISH in 1993. Dennis is a member of the Institute of Industrial Engineers and Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA).

Schedule:

(571) 226-4660